This December Novelty Brooch Friday is close to
Erin’s heart. If you're a regular reader of her blog, you will know just how
much she loves where she lives; the Blue Mountains, as well as her passion for
supporting local and independent businesses and ideas. So, it should come as no
surprise that Erin is excited to be able to offer this stunning enamel brooch
designed by local, and well known jewellery designer/maker, Alison of My RedScooter.
Below are 5 questions Erin asked Alison, to give us a bit more
background to her label, her inspirations and loves.
How long has My Red Scooter been around for?
My Red Scooter started back in
2007. Like many, it was just something to do when at home with small
children but quickly became more than a hobby. In recent times, I have decided
to focus purely on women's accessories, more specifically vintage inspired
necklaces, bracelets and rings handmade from gorgeous coloured resin.
As a Mum of three, how do you
manage to make time to get creative and crafty with MRS?
It is very difficult. I will
admit that I am the first to let the housework slip and allow the folding build
up in the interests of my business. Coffee, coffee and lots more coffee
and I am a night owl so this helps me a lot. I do wish that I had more time
during the day as I would be more productive. My list of crafty projects
outside of My Red Scooter is very long and I hope to be able to spend some time
just creating things "just because" over the Christmas break.
Do you see a resurgence in local and handmade shopping
in your area? If so, it must be wonderful to be a part of that community.
Absolutely, this is wonderful for
small, independent businesses. Certainly after the recent bushfires that
devastated the Blue Mountains, many are more willing than ever to support small
local designers. We are lucky to live in such a close knit and supportive
community.
What are you most inspired by?
COLOUR! We are all guilty of
wearing far too much black these days. I also love vintage lace, linen and
fabric, enamel, chandelier crystals and old china. The simplicity of yesteryear
inspires me to create comfortable, classic and affordable pieces. These days,
life is busy, we are surrounded by too much stuff, technology and decisions.
Accessorising should be easy, a collection of timeless pieces that you can wear
with anything. You don't need to dress up to wear my pieces!
It must be a kick to see people walking around wearing
your creations. What is the most rewarding aspect of your business?
Yes, I do smile when I see others
wearing my pieces. It is very uplifting to know that others like what I do and
wear my pieces year after year. One of the most rewarding things is seeing many
a customer wearing my pieces for years not just a season.
So for your chance to win this cute brooch just post a picture of yourself on Instagram with your favourite brooch, entries can be submitted on Friday from now up to and including Friday 13th December with the hash tag #noveltybroochfriday. December is slightly different as we want to get this brooch to you before Christmas - what a gift! We will announce the winner (randomly chosen) on Monday 16th December. Open to everyone, you can enter as many times as you like, either new or vintage brooches.
Erin and I aim to showcase those sellers of vintage brooches and designers of brooches we admire and love to wear ourselves.
*If you are a designer or sell vintage brooches (worldwide) and wish to donate a brooch for an upcoming month and have your shop showcased, please contact me at tunabake@hotmail.com
